HMS Monmouth Lynx on operations in the Middle East

A Royal Navy frigate has been carrying out “Approach and Assist” operations in the Gulf as part of her Maritime Security role. Devonport based HMS Monmouth has been helping local fishermen and other mariners in need of assistance, while also providing reassurance that the Royal Navy and other coalition warships in the area are there to keep the region free of piracy. These visits are conducted by the ship’s “blue” boarding team, consisting of volunteers from the ship’s company, in conjunction with the “green” boarding team of embarked Royal Marines. During these visits, the boarding teams will discuss the challenges faced by the small boats operating in the region and are often able learn the sort of valuable grass roots information that the Ship’s sophisticated sensors are unable to detect.

HMS Monmouth also recently hosted an evening capability demonstration for 200 guests, including members of the coalition armed forces and British expat community, in Bahrain. Arriving alongside at Mina Salman for a routine maintenance stop during her 7 month maritime security deployment, the Black Duke took advantage of the opportunity to show off her impressive capability to international dignitaries, local visitors and fellow Mariners during an evening of entertainment and military display.

The Ship’s Lynx Mark 8 aircraft took centre stage on the flight deck, allowing interested visitors the chance of a close inspection, whilst others were able to discuss boarding tactics with the Royal Marine Boarding Teams, and Fire Fighting and Damage Control techniques with members of the internal training teams.